As seniors grow older, maintaining their physical health often becomes a priority. Although the golden years are typically associated with frailty, researchers from the University of Michigan Health System say that this period of life can be the perfect time to get stronger. Doing so through the gentle yet challenging regimen of Dahn Yoga, a relaxation technique that also improves flexibility, could help older adults stay healthier for longer.
Lead investigator Mark Peterson advised seniors to perform resistance exercises, which can be a good way to increase lean muscle tissue. It may also help improve their strength capacity and enable them to maintain mobility for everyday tasks.
Normally, a sedentary adult over the age of 50 can lose as much as 0.4 pounds of muscle every year.
"That only worsens as people age," Peterson explained. "But even earlier in adulthood – the 30s, 40s and 50s – you can begin to see declines if you do not engage in any strengthening activities."
Performing an exercise such as Dahn Yoga or tai chi, which encourage a full range of motion, may help elderly individuals maintain their strength and mobility for many years to come.
